bumblefoot diagnosis...

[laurendoc]

I'm a total novice to bumblefoot! I suspect both my ducks have it mildly. Penny has a lump with a black line on the opening of what looks like a dried up cut. She's not limping and its causing her no issues, I only noticed as she was stretching her legs out the other day.

I thought it best to check my other duck Polly and I've noticed she has a very small lump with a black scab on it. Same again its not causing her issues.

I've bathed them both with warm water and I'm getting Epsom salt today. They are currently inside the house and go out daily. they have to walk on concrete to get to the grass. Is this bumble foot? Any hints and tips to avoid the vets that don't involve home surgery would be much appreciated!!

Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

I have done well with early bumblefoot by simply applying triple antibiotic ointment with no painkiller to the feet three times a day the first week, then once or twice a day, but always right before bedtime. It takes several weeks to resolve, but it is a low-stress, effective, non-invasive way to treat early bumblefoot.

If you can get photo's that would be helpful. Sometimes ducks just have callouses on their feet.

 

[laurendoc]

Thanks for the advice!

Okay in regards to the triple antibiotic ointment will Germolene suffice?

I've attempted to add pictures but because I'm using it on my phone I'm unable to put them on. I have looked into callouses and they do look similar to these. I can attempt to use my sisters laptop later.

If it was collous, what would that mean? Is this harmful? Argh there's so much to worry about.

 

[Amiga]

Hmm, I am not sure Germolene is okay, actually - bacitracin zinc is something I know is okay, and neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates - those are the ingredients in the triple antibiotic we can get here in the U.S.

I know that whatever is used, it must not have any painkillers in the lidocaine family (things ending in -caine). That can be toxic to waterfowl, I have read.

A callous is just a thickened bit of skin where there is pressure frequently applied. Guitar players get callouses on their fingers from pressing and strumming the strings. It is a normal healthy thing.

 

[laurendoc]

I've ordered some bacatracin zinc with the other ingredients you added. It's due to arrive next week.

Okay so could a callous be painful for them and how do you tell the difference between that and bumblefoot? Sorry for all the questions I just hate the thought of them suffering.

Thanks again!

 

[Amiga]

I've ordered some bacatracin zinc with the other ingredients you added. It's due to arrive next week.

Okay so could a callous be painful for them and how do you tell the difference between that and bumblefoot? Sorry for all the questions I just hate the thought of them suffering.

Thanks again!

Please don't apologize for questions. Some early bumbles look like regular callouses. For me it's a matter of checking them again in a few days. Most of my ducks were raised by me to be very sociable. I have adopted four as adults - they are not as easy to work with.

Anyway, callouses are not painful unless they cut themselves there, and-or if an infection gets started. The Epsom salt is a fine thing. Just don't let them ingest it - it is a laxative. I use compresses, Miss Lydia stands them in a flat-bottomed bowl, holding them still for a while.

Epsom salt itself is nice if there has been a minor injury to the foot - it could prevent a bumble from starting. You may know that bumbles are a form of a staph infection.

 

[laurendoc]

Penny and Polly our of first ducks so when we got them we didn't know to keep handling them, we thought we would be stressing them out. We didn't realise until they were too old. They are friendly enough to feed out of our hands and come sit with us and they do enjoy a love too. They like us to stroke there Bill and chest. Picking them up though is a whole other trauma!!

I'll try the Epsom and ointment when it arrives. I was thinking about trying to get them standing in it but wonder about stopping them drinking it.

Oh I'm such a worrier!! Haha.

 

[Amiga]

@Miss Lydia has it worked out - maybe she can describe how she holds them. Hers are Muscovies.

 

[laurendoc]

Any tips would be great!

Mine are Aylesburys, my partner wrapped her in a towel and held her close while I bathed her foot. We only managed a couple of minutes then they started to fuss and wanted down. I dampened a towel with the Epsom salts and water and got them to stand there for a little while. It won't have the same effect but I thought it would be better than nothing.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Any tips would be great!

Mine are Aylesburys, my partner wrapped her in a towel and held her close while I bathed her foot. We only managed a couple of minutes then they started to fuss and wanted down. I dampened a towel with the Epsom salts and water and got them to stand there for a little while. It won't have the same effect but I thought it would be better than nothing.

Not many ducks even those we've cuddled from tiny ducklings like to be held once they are adults. but I go ahead and do it anyway because it's the only way to treat at times. Don't worry if they get upset and want down but try at least 5 minute soaks with the warm water and epsom salt. even a couple times a day if you can but 1X will help. I use a 1 gallon bucket fill half way with warm water place 1 cup of Epsom salt I like it to be strong to do the job. then I pick up duck [most of the time I have to walk behind them into their house to pick them up] Place both feet into bucket much easier to do both. Then I sit and hold them for at least 5 mins. get them out and dry their feet then apply colorless iodine or ointment but I do this procedure right before bedtime so they go right into their house and not walking around picking up nasties again.
It's not an over night fix like Amiga said but if you work at it you can get it cleared up.